What area do you work in within the VPFA portfolio?
I work in the Retirement Plans Management office. We are UO employees, but we administer the 401(a) and 403(b) plans for employees at all seven public universities in Oregon.
What is your current position, and what are your job responsibilities?
I am the Retirement Benefits Coordinator. I have many responsibilities in this position, but primarily, I approve participant loans, distributions, divorce distributions, hardship withdrawals, and more. I also help benefit managers at the campuses with corrective processes to retirement accounts. I ensure that if there is an error within a retirement account, that it is corrected, and the participant is made whole due to any market fluctuations.
What has been your career path; how did you end up in your current position?
I have a strong background in Human Resources, as well as in finance. Most of my past positions were HR-related or finance-related.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
I was an unconventional student, and received my business degree in my mid-30s. I worked full time, and attended school full time. I am proud of the discipline that it took to be successful in both worlds at the same time.
What is your work history and education that enabled you to attain your current position?
I have always worked in Human Resources, as well as in finance positions. I feel that my current position combines the best of those two worlds.
How has working at UO enabled your professional goals and interests?
I love working at UO! I am passionate about education, as well as diversity initiatives, and the UO has a strong track record of fostering both of these things. I enjoy my job and like helping people.
What do you like about your current position?
I like the daily workflow of my job, as well as my coworkers. I work in a fun and positive office environment. I appreciate how my work environment encourages further learning opportunities in regards to webinars, conferences, meetings, and more. I also like communicating with employees and encouraging them to save for a more robust retirement.
What advice do you have for others; what secrets would you share for someone thinking of applying to the UO?
UO is the best job I’ve ever had. It is nice to work in an environment that is a champion for diversity, and encourages education and communication. I feel that most of the people on campus are kind, hardworking, thoughtful, and overall great human beings. I like how if one person needs help with something many people offer to roll up their sleeves and give assistance. I truly feel like the employees of UO are a big team.
Share a little about yourself personally:
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Family – I have two brothers, both younger than me. I am close with my parents, as well as with my extended family.
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Favorite food – It’s a struggle to choose between Mexican food and Thai. At the current moment, it’s Thai. But that may change next week.
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Best movie you’ve seen – I don’t know if it is the best, but I really like the movie Stepbrothers. It always makes me laugh.
If you could only take three items with you to a deserted island, what would they be?
I would want my family, dogs, and a lighter. On those survival shows, the thing that is seemingly demoralizing for most people is the inability to make fire.
How do you want to be remembered?
I hope to be remembered as funny and kind.
If you could have the answer to any question, what would it be?
Are we alone in this universe?
* Learn more about the Retirement Plans Management team *
(April/May 2020)